Headmaster's Welcome
Headmaster's News, Friday 16th December, 2022
Dec 16, 2022
16th December 2022
Dear Parents
Christmas Performances
Pre-School Performance
Early last week, Pre-School children were our first pupils to perform publicly. They took to the stage with incredible confidence, performing right in front of their families. Even with the flashing of cameras and murmurs of appreciation, they stayed focused (with the occasional delighted wave to mum and dad!). They really loved the experience, and it was very special to celebrate and watch all the dances they have been working on with Miss Burns. We even had a Christmas Rap with the children wearing cool t-shirts and baseball hats! Thank you to Miss Burns, Miss Catherall, who read, ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all the staff who helped.
Infant and Reception Nativity
Last week, the Boogie-Woogie Nativity came to Highfield. The programme stated that this Nativity was a toe-tapping, hand-clapping Nativity musical and it really was! The performers and their audience all had lots of fun, watching and taking part in the dances and songs. Our Year 2 performers acted incredibly well, managing to project their voices across the Sports Hall. The singing, from Year 1 and Reception, was beautifully complemented by some very impressive choreography from Miss Burns’ dancers. I really enjoyed seeing our Infant and Reception classes coming together for this fantastic, and very memorable, Nativity performance. A big thank you to Ms Eccles, Mrs Street and all the staff involved in the production.
Junior Christmas Concert
Wednesday saw our last Christmas performance of the term. The Christmas Concert was led by our Year 6 pupils who had written winter poems and sang solos in small groups. I was very proud of their performance and the way they provided an excellent example to the rest of the school. The singing from the choir was truly beautiful and, with the winter conditions outside, it was the perfect way to conclude our winter performances for this term. Thank you to all the children who took part, and to Miss Macklam for directing a very memorable concert.
Christmas Meal
Thank you, Ms Cowburn and our fantastic kitchen team, for our wonderful Christmas lunch yesterday. The children and staff thoroughly enjoyed their traditional lunch with crackers and hats! The children gave all the staff three cheers in recognition of all their hard work over the year. Thank you.
Party Day
Last Friday was Christmas Party Day. We had a wonderful array of Christmas jumpers on display, and the children enjoyed a fun day of activities, visiting Father Christmas and dancing at the disco. I hope we managed to exhaust them sufficiently, ready for a peaceful Friday night! Thank you to all the staff, Ms Eccles and to our parents for making this day possible.
Year 4 Art and DT Project
Year 4 has been studying the work of Hannah Nunn this term. She creates lamps, fabric and wallpaper inspired by nature. The children all designed their own prototype before making the finished product. On Monday, Year 4 had the opportunity to talk to Hannah in person on Teams and share their work with her. It was an excellent opportunity for the children to talk to the artist who had inspired their lanterns and to ask her what inspires her. Hannah was really impressed with the children and their work which she has shared on her social media and website. Thank you to Miss Jewitt for organising this session and to Hannah Nunn for speaking to the children.
Bethany House
On Tuesday this week, our Year 6 travelled to Bethany House to sing Christmas songs and talk to the residents. This is a trip that we have really missed in recent years and we were delighted to be invited back. It is so rewarding to watch the different generations talking about their families, Christmas traditions and the past. Everyone involved really enjoyed the experience, especially our Year 6 pupils who were chatting about it all the way back to school.
Donations
Thank you for all your kind donations, at the Christmas performances, for our School Charities over the last two weeks. We have raised over £300 for CancerCare and Derian House.
Year 4 Swimming
There will be no swimming in the first week back after Christmas. Please could children come to school in their PE kits.
Merit Awards 9.12.22
RB: Jeeva 1W: George 2E: The Whole Class
3D: Alaylah 4J: Dylan 4M: Esmail 5H: Zaid 5M: Faris 6P: Heba Noor
I hope you all have a very Happy Christmas holiday and a Happy New Year! I look forward to seeing you all on Wednesday 4th January.
Yours sincerely
J M Duke
Headmaster
